Turn the other Cheek!

Lord Jesus Christ stated that we should turn the other cheek. Why is this so hard? There are so many instances in one’s life where you feel that retaliation is best. For example, one of my nearest and dearest friends passed in 911 at the World Trade Center. He was an American Born Hindu who was on his first day on the Job. He was 23 years old and was offered a high paying position in a middle-market investment firm.

When I heard this news I wanted to kill every terrorist that I could get my hands on. I realized that I didn’t know any, so this desire was not fulfilled. I was so happy when I heard that we were going to ‘smoke them out of their holes.’ But as I advanced in reading the Bible, the Koran, the Gita, and the Bhagwatam over and over again I began to realize. Perhaps this is not the best course of action. Perhaps there is power in forgiveness. Perhaps the power comes from self-control. Will God reward you your friend back. Probably not. In fact my friend has not appeared for 9 years, however remains in my heart.

So today I began to retaliate against a stalker. I posted an article for a while with plans to get back at the stalker. I wanted to state, ‘this is my day.’ Another friend of mine pointed out that by pointing out one person that happens to have chosen a certain religious path, may in fact cause the rest of the world to believe that everyone in that certain religion is that way.

I realized that defaming God’s name in any religion by giving fame to a certain person because of their lack of understanding or spiritual growth may not be good.

So back to turning the cheek. I don’t really know what the benefits are. But my conscience seems clearer. And my friends seem much happier because they feel that my energies are being spent in proactive God Consciousness.

It felt good to get back at this person for a while. But it feels right to simply pray for that person’s inner peace.